‘An Incredible Feeling’: Azerbaijani Astronaut Shares Wonders of Space
Jerusalem, 24 April, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Baku (AZERTAC) – “This is my third visit to Azerbaijan in the last two years. I have been to Baku twice. We used to visit Baku often when I was a child. Since my father and grandmother lived here, we used to come here often as a family. After they moved away, our visits decreased. In 2023, I came to Baku again to participate in the 74th International Astronautical Congress. I was fascinated by returning to this city after a long break. Baku has become very beautiful and developed in recent years. I was very happy to see these changes. Being here is full of nostalgic feelings for me,” Turkish-Azerbaijani astronaut Tuva Cihangir Atasevar told AZERTAC.
“During my previous visit, I had the chance to go to Shusha. At the youth camp organized by the Azerbaijani diaspora in Lachin, we exchanged views on space issues with Azerbaijani youth from different countries of the world. It was an unforgettable experience for me to participate in such a special atmosphere in Shusha at a space-related event. Therefore, every visit to Azerbaijan gives me great pleasure and pride,” he said.
“We are currently participating in panel sessions and speeches held within the framework of STC2025. Various companies operating in the space field present their products and services here. One of the main goals of STC is to expand international cooperation between countries in the Eurasian region, especially in the space field. In this regard, strengthening cooperation between Turkish states in this field is one of the priorities for STC,” he added.
According to Atasevar, the main goal of the Turkish Space Agency and TÜBİTAK is to further deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan and other Turkic states during future scientific research in microgravity conditions.
“I have experienced spaceflight twice. Flying into space and spending time there is an incredible feeling. During the flight, you move at three times the speed of sound. After the rocket engines turn off, microgravity begins. This is a completely calm and peaceful environment. Spending even a few minutes in this environment gives great happiness and pleasure,” Atasevar said.
“We conducted two human space missions in 2024. The first mission was our first human flight to the International Space Station, where we conducted 13 science experiments. The second flight was a suborbital exploration mission, where we conducted seven science experiments. So, in total, we conducted 20 microgravity experiments across the two missions. These experiments were notable for their significant technical and operational achievements,” he added.
“However, this is not enough. We must continue research in this direction in the future. Although there is no need to send new astronauts every year, we must send scientific experiments into space every year. It is possible to produce some complex materials more precisely in microgravity conditions. The knowledge and technologies we have gained in this field will be invaluable for both the academic environment and the private sector. We intend to develop together and share the benefits of this field by establishing cooperation with other Turkic states, including Azerbaijan, in these activities,” the Azerbaijani astronaut said.
